Best Tools to Clean Up Windows Computers

In this generation, computers play a big role with our day to day lives. Every household seems to own one and use it either for work or pleasure. We use computers to store important files, go online, download movies, install games and the list goes on. Admit it, without computers we are doomed! However, most of us are not really aware on how to clean up our computers and frankly speaking, we only remember doing so once we start to observe that it's being sluggish, freezes, and acting that it's going to crash anytime soon. As we all know, computers are always at risk with viruses, worms, trojans, malwares, etc. Probably, most of us would think that you need to be a computer genius before you can clean up your own system so I would like to share these six simple tools that you can try using on your computer:

1. CCleaner

• A cleaning tool that will remove unnecessary files from your system. This allows Windows to run faster thus, giving our computers more hard drive space. This will get rid of unwanted online activities such as cookies and temporary files from our Internet history. It also has an advanced feature called "registry cleaner" that removes unused or corrupted registry files. No need to worry about adware and spywares because this software doesn't contain those. Simple and easy to use!

2. Disk Cleanup

• A Microsoft utility designed to remove temporary files, empties the recycle bin, and removes files that you no longer need from your system. It will reduce unimportant data or junk from your hard drive to free up disk space. It's hassle-free, since this is already a built-in-tool from Windows so you don’t need to download it from the Internet.

3. Malwarebytes

• Malwares are malicious software that could disrupt a computer’s operation. This is an excellent tool that scans and removes malwares of every kind, which often includes Trojans, viruses, worms, spywares, and adware. This anti-malware application is readily available in both free and PRO versions. The free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities, while the PRO version has advanced protection technologies to stop malware infections.

4. AdwCleaner

• Whenever we download or install anything free from the Internet, there are actually bundled programs that come with it, which we are not really familiar of. In most cases, these will be automatically installed along with the program that you downloaded. ADwCleaner is the cure for these adware, extra browser toolbars, and potentially unwanted programs from our computer’s system.

5. Disk Defragmenter

• A tool that rearranges fragmented data so that disks and hard drives could function more efficiently. Overtime, a hard drive can become fragmented with hundreds of files broken up in many locations thus, defrag is very important to organize those files. This is also built-in for Windows and it runs on a scheduled basis. However, for best results, you can also analyze and defragment drives manually.

Uninstall

There are programs that usually run at the background that could take up space of our computers without our knowledge. To address this, find some time to remove programs by completely uninstalling it from your computer’s system. This is one of the easiest ways to clean up your computers.

Computers should be treated as one of our most valuable possessions. We have to regularly check them because without this type of technology, we still continue to be stressing out with all the hassle of typewriters, handwritten stuffs, and the like. We don't need to complicate things and perform or run all the advanced software that we can find online, because with these basic tools, all you have to do is follow the steps and you will be amazed in cleaning up your computer like a pro!

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By: Jo-Jean M. Lumayag - Tech Support Engineer at Supportrix with more than 5 years in tech support industry experience.

Top 5 Free Antivirus Software to Protect Your Computer

Antivirus software plays an essential role in protecting your computer from a vast array of viruses, worms, Trojans, AdWares, spywares, browser hijackers, keyloggers, ransonwares, rootkits & backdoors, which are just lurking in the World Wide Web. Anyone who goes online-- may it be surfing the Web, using email client software, using chat applications, or other online-based programs are vulnerable to threats and could get potentially infected with different types of viruses. For the past few years, new computers already come with pre-installed antivirus software for temporary security. However, these security programs are just trial versions, which eventually expire and leaves the computer unprotected. It is then the users’ responsibility to install a good antivirus program on their computers if they want to keep their computers clean and secured. Most users may not purchase an antivirus software for a new computer due to the fact that they’ve already spent money for the device itself. You don’t have to worry though, because there are a lot of free alternatives out there. I’ve listed the top 5 free antivirus programs that you can take advantage of.

Avast Free Antivirus

The software has a very straightforward installation process and has simplistic interface that makes it user friendly. A quick first scan should detect any potential threats on your computer with just minimal impact on the system performance. Avast have the most features compared to other free antivirus software with full real-time capabilities including e-mail, web, P2P, IM, network shields, behavioural blocker and boot-time scanning. Avast Free also has some useful extra features, too. It has a Software Updater that alerts you about program updates that you've missed, for instance, while its Browser Cleanup tool provides a simple way to get rid of unwanted and malicious add-ons from web browsers. Check it here.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

This is also a good choice for a free antivirus because it has a good range of features: an email scanner, identity theft protection, antivirus engine, and LinkScanner Surf-Shield to keep you safe on the Web. The interface may seem to be complex at first glance because there are plenty of tiles, menu entries, and buttons, though you will eventually get used to it. Based on actual test, AVG Free is very effective in cleaning up a computer from malware infections. Check it here.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

It is recently released free software from the famous commercial antivirus. This software also offers user friendly solution because of its minimalistic interface. The fact that the engine is the same as the commercial version makes it an excellent virus protection software. Check it here.

Panda Cloud Antivirus

Panda Cloud Antivirus is a great choice for average users with simple interface and automated features with automatic updating, detection, and removal of malware. The detection level is absolutely high, which makes very reliable. It also uses 'cloud' technology to provide a much quicker release & installation of updates because all definitions are already stored in the cloud. Therefore, the moment Panda updates their list, all users of Panda Cloud Antivirus with an Internet connection are protected from threats. Check it here.

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition

Avira AntiVir Personal Edition is another good quality free antivirus program. The program has been famous because of its outstanding detection rates of malware, higher than almost every other antivirus according to tests. Though the interface may look a little complicated for average users, it still remains a very capable and effective security program. Check it here.


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By: Heroine Lloyd Barcatan

About the author: Heroine has been in the tech support industry for more than 5 years now and most of it spent at Supportrix. Aside from being an awesome tech support engineer, she love writing blogs and creating knowledge base articles.

Useful Tools to Help You Diagnose Computer Problems

Technology continues to evolve. The market constantly releases new updates that will entice consumers to avail of the new features they offer. The computer is not exempted from this fast innovation. With new updates from different operating systems, whether it may be Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and the like, you can't deny the fact that it has glitches - flaws that you can't just ignore but you have to deal with. We have to admit that life is so much better with computers. You can transact business online, make online job so you don't have to go to the office just to earn money, we pay bills online and a lot of things that we can do over the Internet. Imagine life without Internet, difficult right? But there are things that users tend to overlook when it comes to computers. Computers just like our pets need extra love and care. It needs maintenance in order for your computer to be operational and for us to save money for repairs.

That's where PC Diagnostic tools takes place. There are a lot of tools that we can use to diagnose computer problems. For me, having this tool is a necessity, a must and not just an option.

One example of this tool is HIREN's BOOT CD. Hiren's boot CD also known as HBCD is a bootable software CD that contains numerous programs that will diagnose computer problems. This will help you recover your computer from any malfunction or recover any lost data. Hiren's BootCD is known to be a collection of freeware tools. Because of its reliability, it creates controversy that it can be used as a hacker tool that violates copyrights. Well, not bad though.

Next is System Information for Windowzs (SIW). This tool is used to check the interior of your Windows computer. You just have to download it and run the application. It will give you detailed information about your system that includes the temperature of your hard disk. It gives you a rundown on the hardware or software installed on it. It will also give you information about your system set-up, network driver, motherboards, and all peripherals installed in your computer. Basically, it will give you complete information and status of your computer so you would know if there is something wrong with it.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. As a technician, I usually use this tool to remove adware, malware, or any viruses that might infect my system. Malware are the ones that will disrupt the operation of your system so it needs to be removed to prevent your computer from crashing.

Iobit Advance System Care is another tool that you have to consider. Same with other software, it will also check if you have malicious software installed in your computer and get rid of it. It will perform disk defragmentation and repair registry problem.

CCleaner. This is a tool that ranks when it comes on cleaning your windows computer. It is a secured software that will protect your privacy online. This tool makes your computer much faster because it will clean temporary files, delete cookies and history, or any programs that needs to be fixed.

Microsoft Fix It Center is another type for diagnostic tool. You just have to run it and it will check your system if there's something wrong. It also gives you an option to fix it.

There are still a lot of tools that you can use when it comes on diagnosing computer problems. You can always Google it, a primary tool that gives you all the information you need including the entire tool mentioned above. Google is the number one tool among all the tools. But take note, you should be very careful in choosing the right tool. With the new changes, people are getting smarter and with their intellect, it's often used and misused. There's a lot of good and bad fish over the Internet. You just need to catch the right one. The best tool is be smart, BE AWARE and BEWARE!

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By: Princess Palacio

About the Author: Princess is one of the tech support engineer of Supportrix who loves to write about the latest in the world of technology; reviews, tech tips, troubleshooting techniques.

Awesome and Helpful Apps for College Students

As we all know, the way to a better career is to go to college.  However, not all college students think the same way.  They come from different shapes and sizes, diverse attitudes, and beliefs. The good thing is, with the advent of mobile devices, developers come up with different apps tailored-fit for college students, regardless if it’s education-related, music, or entertainment.

I have come across different sites, and as I sift through these articles, they differ in some, but they have some things in common.  Having said that, here are the six most common apps used by college students:

1.    E-reader apps – Colleges and universities no longer require books in coming to school.  I mean, college students nowadays won’t bother bringing books to school.  They bring their tablets or E-book readers with them loaded with e-books for their subjects.  It provides convenience for them because they don’t have to bring a lot of books, because you can load your tablet with a lot of e-books, which contents resemble to an entire huge library.  Examples of which are iBooks, BlueFire Reader, Kobo Books, etc.

2.    Note-taking apps – College studs don’t need a pen and notebook anymore.  That’s all archaic.  Remember that everything is already automated and paperless, including taking notes in a class discussion.  All you need to do is simply pull out your tablet and type everything with an onscreen keyboard or speak while listening to your professor.  Notable examples of these apps are Evernote, Penultimate, Note Taker HD, AudioNote, SoundNote, etc.

3.    Math solving apps – Most college students don’t like Math.  Good thing, there are apps that can help you answer any mathematical problems, may it be arithmetic, calculus, algebraic, geometric, or trigonometric.  Notable examples are Free Graphing Calculator, YourTeacher, Pi Cubed Lite, Formulus for Calculus, etc.

4.   Spreadsheet apps – If you are tasked to create some spreadsheets in school like Financial Statements, and other accounting stuff, you can make them all right from your tablet.  There are apps that can allow you to create spreadsheets similar to Microsoft Excel.  Notable examples are QuickOffice, Documents Free, Google Apps, etc.

5.      Online storage apps – USB thumb drives are still in use, although in recent years, there is what we called cloud or online storage that allows you to store all your files online.  These are very useful for on-the-go college students who want to store all their school stuff in the cloud.  Examples are Dropbox, GoogleDrive, SkyDrive, etc.

6.     Social media apps – lazing around and interacting with friends are the most favorite past times for college students.  If they feel bored, they can just surf, chat with friends, post, like, comment, and share content online.  Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tout, Pinterest, and Instagram are the most commonly used social media apps.

Written By: Arnold Castillo - Tech Support Engineer at SUPPORTrix

Best Alternative Tablets That Won't Break Your Wallet

The modern wave of tablet began in 2010 when the first Apple iPads were delivered to customers in the United States. Three and a half years later, tablets became common. As with most tech products, the price of tablet computers has dropped while their capabilities have grown significantly. New version tablets running Google’s Android operating system are regularly advertised for as low as $99, while the top of the line offerings from Microsoft, Samsung, and others continue to pursue the envelope with smoother and sharper screens, faster processors, and thinner and lighter bodies. Somewhere between the two extremes, a handful of incredible values are waiting to be had. For $150 or less, you can get the best budget tablet to fit your needs without breaking your wallet. Below are my picks for the best budget tablets for 2014.

No-Name Tablets (clone tablets)

I don’t recommend any of these tablets simply because it’s very difficult to track quality control and customer service across so many new and fly-by-night companies getting into the Android game.

An Android tablet for less than $100 certainly sounds like a great deal, but before you invest on it, think about a few things. First, cheap tablets are generally made from cheap materials, whatever the specs might say. Just because a tablet has a quality high-resolution display, for instance, doesn’t mean the display is actually going to look good or be responsive. Check out to see what version of Android comes pre-installed on your device, as you may be stuck with it for a while. Lastly, check to see if the tablet works with the Google Play Store before you purchase it. Tablet manufacturers have to obtain Google Play certification or else their devices won’t be able to access the Android world’s main source for unique apps, books, music, and video content. A cheap tablet may not look like such a bargain if you can’t load any apps on it.

Best Barnes and Noble Tablet

Barnes and Noble Nook HD+ (starting from $149)

Believe it! Barnes and Noble have been making Android tablets for three years now. The original Nook Colour was one of the first 7” tablets in the market, offering a customized Android-based experience combining web and email access with the bookseller’s own catalogue of e-books, apps, periodicals, and digital media. Today’s Nook High D and High D+ tablets offer the recent add on of Google Play support, bringing access to hundreds of thousands apps, movies and songs via Google’s own online Store.

While Barnes and Noble may or may not be getting out from cutthroat tab game, they’re still selling the current Generation Nook HD line at low bargain prices. Your best bet is the Android high-powered Nook HD+, a 9” slate with a 1920 x 1280 full HD display, dual core processor, and micro SD card slot starting at a mere $149. Nook HD can’t quite keep up with the Nexus 7 performance-wise, but its display is simply the best for reading and watching videos. Nook HD+ is easily modified to run the latest stock versions of Android OS, turning it into a “Poor Man’s Nexus” device at a lower price.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 8 in.

·         Weight: 11.1 oz.

·         Storage: 8GB, 16GB

·         Operating System: Android 2.3

Best Budget Tablet if You Own a Samsung TV

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (starting from $179)

Samsung has become Apple’s top rival in the smartphone game by offering advanced powered devices packed with cool features and designed to play with the company’s ecosystem of TVs, home theatre equipment, and other best gadgets. The Galaxy Tab line of tablets offers Android-based alternatives to Apple’s iPad, and the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 slots in as an iPad’s less rival at roughly half the price. The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is a light, sleek, and responsive tablet with a 7” display that’s compatible with all of the apps and media in the Google Play Store. Samsung pre-installs a handful of cool and quality apps on the Tab. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is still a solid value backed by an established name in the consumer electronics space.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.5 oz.

·         Storage: 8GB

·         Operating System: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

Best Tablet for Amazon Prime Members

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7” (starting from $229)

Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HDX line might be the device you really want to have. Press a button on the device’s screen and you’ll be connected through video chat to a tech support representative who can walk you through whatever tablet-related help you need. Amazon tech reps can even draw on your tablet screen to show you exactly what buttons to tap and settings to tweak. Mayday is one of the amazing feature, and whether or not it actually catches on; it’s a boon to the tech un-savvy and the relatives who run phone support for them.

Beyond Mayday, the 7” Kindle Fire HDX is a worthy iPad mini and Nexus 7 competitor, particularly if you frequently shop at Amazon. With a 1900 x 1280 displays, quad-core processor, and optional cellular connectivity, HDX is one of the most capable 7” tablets in the market. It is very sleek and light to boot. But Amazon’s tablets are built to keep you in the Amazon ecosystem as much as anything else. On one hand, that means free access to thousands of streaming videos for members, and a user interface designed to recommend all sorts of products you might want to buy next. While on the other, that means less access to the Google services other Android tablet owners enjoy. Kindle Fire owners get their apps from Amazon’s own App Store, whose selection is very limited compared to Google Play.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.7 oz.

·         Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB

·         Operating System: Fire OS 3 Mojito

Best Budget Tablet

Google Nexus 7 (starting from $229)

Google knocked this out of the park with the original Nexus 7, and this year’s model adds a “Super High Definition” 1920 x 1200 display and Quad-Core processor to the mix. The result is a thin, sleek, light, and fast tablet with a gorgeous display suitable for everything from browsing the Web or watching full HD video. Nexus devices also are first in line to receive the latest updates to the Android OS. That means the Nexus 7 will claim the benefits of the new KitKat (Android 4.4) OS long before other Android tabs.

The excellent “Google Now” service shines on Android devices, and the OS widgets and notification system are preferred by many over the iOS and Windows 8 systems. If you want a tablet suited to one-handed use and don’t specifically need an iPad, the Google Nexus 7 is my bet.

Specs:

·         Screen Size: 7 in.

·         Weight: 10.2 oz.

·         Storage: 16GB, 32GB

·         Operating System: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

So there you have it! Those are my top picks for tablets that will surely suit your budget. If you happen to know more budget wise tablets that I missed, then feel free to add them in the comments.

By: Robert Guinanao - Tech Support Engineer at Supportrix